THE CRATE

GAME
ABOUT THE EXERCISE
WHY: Many people think crates are a bad thing. They look at it as a type of puppy jail that
should be used for punishment when in reality, it is the exact opposite. Crates are good
for a number of reasons. First, they create a safe, secure place for your puppy to sleep and
hang out while being unsupervised. It helps teach your puppy to “hold it” because dogs
are hard-wired to not relieve themselves where they sleep. The second reason is, if you
ever have to take your puppy or dog to the vet, kennel, or someplace else they need to
be crated, they will already be comfortable being in one so it won’t add any extra stress.
Dogs and puppies love crates! It’s basically like having their own room; a safe place they
can go and relax to get away from everything. In the beginning your puppy may not like it
because it keeps them from getting to you but in the long run it will help teach them to be
independent and to not always rely on Mom and Dad.
PREREQUISITE: Clicker-trained
TOOLS: Crate, blanket, treats

In this Phase, your puppy is going to learn that going into the crate is a good thing.

1
Sit in front of the crate with your puppy.

Be sure the door is open and there are toys and a soft
blanket inside.

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2
Say “kennel” and put treat just inside the door of the
crate.

At first, put the treat just a few inches in so that only the
puppy’s head goes in the crate.

3
Let puppy go get the treat.

Keep putting the treats farther and farther in the crate

until all four paws go inside. Be sure to say “kennel” every
time you put a treat inside.

4
When all four paws are in
the crate, click and treat.

Be sure all four paws are in

before you click and treat.

WHAT PHASE I SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Your puppy will walk all the way in the crate when you say “kennel”.

Do this exercise for about 10 minutes a day, twice a day. The more time you practice with the
crate, the more your puppy with like his crate. Once your puppy happily goes in his crate every
time you say “kennel”, you’re ready for the next phase.

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In Phase II, your puppy will happily sit in his crate for any length of time without crying
or barking or having any accidents.
ADDED TOOLS: Puppy food

1
Say “kennel” and have your puppy walk into crate.

Be sure to have their food bowl ready.

2 Place puppy food in kennel

and close the door when
they start eating.

If puppy starts to cry immedi-

ately after you close the door
be sure to leave it closed
until they stop crying, finish
eating or 5 minutes go by.

3
Open door when puppy is done eating.

Only let puppy out if they are quiet, and then immediately
take them outside to go potty.

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Do this every time you feed your puppy. After 3 days, start increasing the time they are in the
kennel by 5 minutes, gradually working your way up to an hour.

WHAT PHASE II SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Your puppy will go in the crate, eat their meal and then quietly wait until you open the
crate again no matter how much time has gone by.

For more games that help with potty training, check out
our Potty Training Secrets course.

©2017 The Dog Training Secret // thedogtrainingsecret.com